Defining Moments: The Women Who Shaped My Family Tree
Stories of courage, fortitude, and the choices that shaped generations
As genealogists, we often seek out the defining moments in our ancestors’ lives – the choices, struggles, and triumphs that shaped not only their futures but also our own. While no life can be reduced to a single decision, some moments reveal the strength, courage, and fortitude of the women in my family tree. These moments continue to shape me today.
When my great-grandmother’s older sister, Filomena (Corbo) Frascone agreed to leave everyone she ever knew behind to try for a better life in America, I wonder if she knew that her choice would alter the course of generations.
When Ludmila (Petrasek) Kubes lost her mother, she stepped into a role far beyond her years – raising her younger siblings, including one from birth. Her quiet strength defined her life.
And then there are women like Catherine (Geehan) Corcoran whose defining moments weren’t just shaped by the unimaginable loss of a child, but by the courage to share her grief – finding solace in community.
My great-grandmother, Alice (Devine) Kerkow, defied her parents, friends, and church – all for love. I often reflect on this lesson in the power of believing in yourself.
Their love story is the stuff of Hollywood, and so I was inspired to make a movie.
Alice’s sister – Rose Devine, also followed her heart, choosing a life of faith among the Sisters of a convent in St. Paul, Minnesota. Despite her commitment to her faith, she never believed that it was wrong for her sister to defy the church to marry a man of a different faith. It’s important to trust the decisions of those we love the most.
When my 2x great-grandmother Anna (Bouska) Petrasek, died, the death certificate recorded her name as “Mrs. Frank Petrasek”. In uncovering her story, I found a smart, dedicated, and brave woman – one who deserved to be remembered by her own name.
Writing the story of my grandmother, Vivian Mae (Faircloth) (Corbo) Geretschlaeger, was painstaking, but it became the only way I – and others in my family – could fully understand the moment she stood up for herself, changing her life forever.
It took the work of a DNA cousin and myself to uncover the story of my 1st cousin, 3x removed, Adaline Geehan. Together, we uncovered an ancestor who defied every expectation of what a woman “should” be – leaving a lasting mark on the labor movement of the 1930s.
These defining moments remind me that the women in my family were more than the names on a tree – they were bold, determined, and brave. Their choices continue to shape me, just as mine will shape those who come after me.
Great idea! What a clever way to celebrate Women's History Month!
I like the way you have grouped them together Kirsi